Hello everyone! We are certainly living in interesting times. We should have had two star parties by now, but instead, we just live streamed the Lyrid meteor shower to nearly 20,000 people from all over the world. While our passions have not changed, the ways we go about to bring the skies to everyone have. In the long run, probably for the better. However, nothing beats seeing the skies with your own eyes. We hope to be able to do that soon. In the meantime, be safe and look up.

We are very excited to announce the upcoming grand opening of the Star Walk at Harrison Bay State Park.

The Barnard Astronomical Society of Chattanooga and the Friends of Harrison Bay State Park cordially invite you to the unveiling of the Star Walk at Harrison Bay. Much time, energy, and financial support have gone into the preparation and creation of this educational tool in our community.

The Star Walk, inspired by the Grossmugl Star Walk in Austria, is a self-guided tour that encourages astronomical and environmental observation with the unaided eye. Participants walk through a 1/2 mile gravel loop that houses 13 separate Star Walk stations as well as a giant planisphere or star wheel. Guided tours will be available at the Ribbon Cutting.

Please plan to come and celebrate science education, astronomy, and the night sky with us on Saturday, September 10th at 6:30 pm at Harrison Bay State Park.

Thinking of buying your first telescope? Wanting to get the kids a telescope for Christmas? Want to get yourself a telescope for Christmas? (We know you do!) This evening Richard Clements, the current President of the BAS, will cover the basics on what to consider when purchasing a first telescope. These days the choices can be downright bewildering, so this program will try to make sense of the chaos. Topics will include parts and functions of a telescope, types of telescopes, telescope mounts, and probably most important: what exactly can you see? Richard will discuss the traps to avoid, demonstrate examples of a range of telescope types in a variety of price ranges, and discuss where to purchase your new toy.

BAS Programs and Meetings are free and open to anyone who has an interest in the sky! All are welcome!

Thinking of buying your first telescope? Wanting to get the kids a telescope for Christmas? Want to get yourself a telescope for Christmas? (We know you do!) This evening Richard Clements, the current President of the BAS, will cover the basics on what to consider when purchasing a first telescope. These days the choices can be downright bewildering, so this program will try to make sense of the chaos. Topics will include parts and functions of a telescope, types of telescopes, telescope mounts, and probably most important: what exactly can you see? Richard will discuss the traps to avoid, demonstrate examples of a range of telescope types in a variety of price ranges, and discuss where to purchase your new toy.

BAS Programs and Meetings are free and open to anyone who has an interest in the sky! All are welcome!

Captured during the various star parties in 2014, this video reveals the different activities the BAS participates in throughout the year.

The Barnard Astronomical Society is for amateur and professional astronomers as well as anyone interested in astronomy. Our monthly meetings are second Thursday of each month held at UTC's Clarence T. Jones Observatory on Brainerd Road in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Programs are presented at each meeting by members or special guests. Outside activities include star parties (telescopic observations), field trips to science centers, planetariums, etc.

Membership dues are minimal and include a monthly club newsletter, a quarterly newsletter from the Astronomical League. Group rates for either 'Sky & Telescope' or 'Astronomy' magazine are available through the club.

Find us online at www.barnardstar.org or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/BarnardAS/